Plastic insulation – a sustainable solution

Product catalog summary

Introduction to Sustainability
The document begins by defining sustainability as meeting current needs without compromising future generations, as per the United Nations in 1987. It highlights the increasing demand for sustainable products and services due to climate change concerns.

Role of the Building Sector
The building and construction sector is identified as a major energy consumer and CO2 emitter in Europe, responsible for 40% of energy use and 36% of CO2 emissions. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive aims to reduce this by mandating nearly zero energy demand for new buildings by 2021.

Plastic Insulation as a Sustainable Solution
Plastic insulation is presented as a key contributor to energy efficiency in buildings. It is durable, cost-effective, and requires minimal thickness for maximum efficiency. Plastic insulation materials are recyclable and can be recovered for energy at the end of their life.

Environmental Benefits
Plastic insulation saves over 200 times the energy used in its manufacture. Its high thermal efficiency and minimal thickness contribute to reduced land use and emissions. The durability and moisture resistance of plastic insulation reduce the need for replacement.

Economic Benefits
Investments in plastic insulation offer low-cost carbon mitigation and quick payback through energy savings. The growing market for insulation due to environmental awareness will boost local economies and employment.

Societal Benefits
Plastic insulation enhances energy security by reducing demand, supports renewable energy viability, and creates jobs. It provides affordable, energy-efficient housing, reducing poverty and improving comfort. It is safe for consumers and workers, with no irritation from fibers or dust.

Conclusion
Plastic insulation significantly contributes to sustainable solutions for climate change by providing effective protection against environmental elements, saving resources, and offering long-term energy savings. It can be reused, recycled, or converted into energy after its lifecycle.

Catalog excerpts

Plastic insulation -a sustainable solution

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What is the sustainable challenge? The demand for sustainability In 1987 the United Nations defined sustainability as meeting "the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs"1. Current concerns about climate change means that today there is an ever increasing demand to use products and services which meet the environmental, societal and economic elements of sustainability. The building and construction sector can play a major role in saving energy in Europe The building and construction industry has a major role to play in reducing energy...

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Plastic insulation – a sustainable solution-3

Source: www.exiba.org Plastic insulation: a sustainable solution Plastics are used for a wide and growing range of building applications, from insulation to piping, and window frames to interior design. The continuing popularity of plastics is due to their durability, strength, resistance to corrosion, low maintenance, cost-effectiveness and aesthetically pleasing finish. Up to 60% of the energy used in buildings is due to heating and cooling needs. Making our buildings more energy efficient and reducing the amount of energy required is key to minimising the environmental impact. Insulation is...

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Plastic insulation – a sustainable solution-4

Improving lives and protecting the planet in new ways every days Source: www.pu-europe.org Over its lifetime, plastic insulation saves more than 200 times the energy used in its manufacture, and its very high thermal efficiency also adds to savings. Minimal thickness reduces the land used for buildings and the size of the structure - with the added benefit that fixings and stud depth are in turn smaller. This also helps meet EU climate change targets as buildings have better insulation efficiency levels. Long term durability, including moisture resistance, means less need for replacement. Panels...

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Plastic insulation – a sustainable solution-5

Plastic insulation - meeting sustainable options In terms of performance, plastic insulation materials should be assessed as much as possible when they are actually installed in a building rather than just as stand-alone materials. For example, in addition to their insulation properties, some plastic insulation products provide mechanical strength. The knock-on effects of insulation materials on a building also need to be taken into account, such as how insulation choices affect the design of the building and the use of other materials such as fixing devices, ancillary materials, the size of...

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Plastic insulation – a sustainable solution-6

Information PlasticsEurope Avenue E. van Nieuwenhuyse 4, box 3 B -1160 Brussels, Belgium Tel : +32(2) 675 32 97 , Fax : +32(2) 675 3 9 35 E-mail : [email protected] www.plasticseurope.org

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